WAFCON Semifinal Match Preview: Nigeria vs South Africa – A Clash of Legacy and Momentum

Caretaker July 22, 2025

0 80 2 minutes read

All eyes will be on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal on Tuesday, as two giants of the African women’s game – Nigeria and South Africa – face off in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in Morocco.

This is more than just a semifinal. It’s Nigeria’s proud legacy against South Africa’s rising dominance. The Super Falcons are chasing their 10th WAFCON title, while Banyana Banyana are defending the first and only crown they won in the last edition, and aiming for their third straight final.

Nigeria: Chasing Redemption

Despite being the most successful team in the tournament’s history, Nigeria enter this game with something to prove. They’ve never gone two WAFCONs without a title – and they don’t plan to start now.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria launched their campaign for a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) title in emphatic fashion, thanks to a clinical display from their attacking stars in a 3-0 win over Tunisia

Coach Justin Madugu, however, is happy for South Africa to carry the pressure of being defending champions:

“They took the crown from us, so we want to do the same. They’re the favourites.”

The Super Falcons head into this clash on the back of a dominant 5-0 win over Zambia, but Madugu is expected to make changes to better match South Africa’s slick, possession-based play. A more physical midfield could be key.

South Africa: Out to Prove It Was No Fluke

For Coach Desiree Ellis, winning again isn’t just about the trophy — it’s about proving last time was no accident and pushing for more investment in women’s football at home:

Desire Ellis of South Africa

“That medal has to change things. We still don’t have a professional league. Winning again might finally get sponsors to take this seriously.”

Banyana Banyana were tested in the quarterfinals, needing penalties to beat Senegal, but they’ve shown grit and tactical maturity. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was key, saving two spot-kicks.

Head-to-Head: History Favors Nigeria, But…

Nigeria and South Africa have faced off 25 times, with Nigeria winning 15, drawing 6, and losing just 4. But recent history leans South Africa’s way – they’ve won three of the last four WAFCON meetings.

Their last major meeting in WAFCON saw South Africa edge Nigeria in the 2022 group stage, before going on to win the title. Nigeria did, however, knock South Africa out of Olympic qualifiers earlier this year.

Both coaches agree that past results won’t matter:

“Every game is different,” says Madugu.
“It’s not about the past,” Ellis adds. “It’s about what we do on the pitch now.”

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has promised Nigerians that his team will make the country proud when they face Zambia at the ongoing

Players to Watch

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria): A constant attacking threat, she’ll be key to breaking through Banyana’s tight defence.
Refiloe Jane (South Africa): The midfield engine who dictates the pace and flow of the game for Banyana Banyana.

What to Expect

Tight margins: Since 2008, no WAFCON game between these sides has seen more than three total goals.
Strong defences: Both sides have conceded just once in four games this tournament.
Set-piece battles: Aerial duels will be fierce — both teams won most of theirs in the quarterfinals.

South Africa haven’t lost a WAFCON match in regular time since 2018, but Nigeria are determined to end that streak:

“Records are meant to be broken,” Madugu says. “We hope that by tomorrow, that record will no longer exist.”

Final Word

This semifinal isn’t just about two teams. It’s about the power shift in African women’s football — or the restoration of dominance. South Africa want to confirm their place at the top. Nigeria want to remind everyone who built the mountain.

Kick-off is set for Tuesday. Brace yourself for a heavyweight showdown.